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High protein diets for weight loss and lupus?

I'm about 100 lbs overweight. (I've got prednisone to thank for the last 10 pounds to put me where I am now. *sigh*) I know I need to lose weight so I'm overhauling my diet. I also have pre-diabetes and I know that controlling the amount of carbohydrates helps control my blood sugar, plus helps with weight loss and general well-being.

But since being diagnosed with lupus, I'm concerned with the higher protein in lower carb diets. I know I've heard high protein diets are hard on the kidneys. I'm trying to figure out whether the benefits (weight loss, fairly rapid once I get started) outweigh the risks of taxing my kidneys. My last labs said that I don't have kidney involvement but that was approximately a year ago but we all know how fickle lupus is.

I do sort of a modified "Paleo" diet (gluten, dairy, and soy-free) and it has been WONDERFUL for me. I feel best (and lose weight) when I keep carbs to under about 15% of my overall diet. It has taken me almost a year to really adjust, and for this way of eating to become a habit - but it has been life-changing for me.

Let me state unequivocally that [B]IT IS NOT A CURE OR TREATMENT[/B] for my Lupus, Sjogren's, APS, Raynaud's or anything else, and it's all been done under medical supervision and advice. Neither my doctor nor I know if it actually has any SCIENTIFIC effect on the disease activity or not - but it DOES make me feel better when I eat that way, so I do it. Any little thing helps! I feel that it is something I do for my health and well-being, as well as treating the autoimmune disease with Plaquenil, Methotrexate, and occasional Prednisone. I go in for regular monitoring of my blood work, liver, and kidney function, and check any dietary changes with my Rheum. I drink a TON of water, because I know shifting protein balances CAN be had on kidneys.

Losing some weight feels better on my already-achy joints, and eating this way has been the only thing that really works for me. I don't do anything crazy or radical - I just eat lots of very healthy, unprocessed foods - lean meats, fruits, veggies, nuts - and a very few grains. Almost no sugar. Eating healthier probably helps ANYbody, no matter WHAT their ailments!

Just don't do anything without medical advice!!!!!! Everybody's body is different; everybody's Lupus is different. Only you and your doctor can decide what might work for you.

I do sort of a modified "Paleo" diet (gluten, dairy, and soy-free) and it has been WONDERFUL for me. I feel best (and lose weight) when I keep carbs to under about 15% of my overall diet. It has taken me almost a year to really adjust, and for this way of eating to become a habit - but it has been life-changing for me.

Let me state unequivocally that [B]IT IS NOT A CURE OR TREATMENT[/B] for my Lupus, Sjogren's, APS, Raynaud's or anything else, and it's all been done under medical supervision and advice. Neither my doctor nor I know if it actually has any SCIENTIFIC effect on the disease activity or not - but it DOES make me feel better when I eat that way, so I do it. Any little thing helps! I feel that it is something I do for my health and well-being, as well as treating the autoimmune disease with Plaquenil, Methotrexate, and occasional Prednisone. I go in for regular monitoring of my blood work, liver, and kidney function, and check any dietary changes with my Rheum. I drink a TON of water, because I know shifting protein balances CAN be had on kidneys.

Losing some weight feels better on my already-achy joints, and eating this way has been the only thing that really works for me. I don't do anything crazy or radical - I just eat lots of very healthy, unprocessed foods - lean meats, fruits, veggies, nuts - and a very few grains. Almost no sugar. Eating healthier probably helps ANYbody, no matter WHAT their ailments!

Just don't do anything without medical advice!!!!!! Everybody's body is different; everybody's Lupus is different. Only you and your doctor can decide what might work for you.

you made me chuckle

MariSuccess is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.